Hello, Everyone,
Over the past few months we've had some turnover in our staff and, as we always do when someone leaves us, we take a hard look at our current needs and decide how best to replace the position. For many, many years we worked with no branch managers and it showed- although all our staff is dedicated to our success, without someone specifically in charge at each location, little things go unnoticed. Establishing Branch Managers at SI, UPT and NS has made a very positive difference. You can feel it and you can see it when you walk through the door. So with the retirement of the Circulation Team Leader at SW, we decided it was high time to do the same for SW and establish a Branch Manager there. This full complement of Branch Managers, all with library degrees, allows us to form a system whereby staff at each location has a leader on site for direction and support. Each Branch Manager can provide training locally and service desks at all locations can be blended with staff who are trained in both circulation and general reference service. We think this is a very effective model, and so did our space planner when he created new floor plans for NS and SW, so we're moving forward with this plan.
With the Board's permission at their July meeting next week, we will eliminate the Adult and Digital Services Department at KPL, and reassign Shannon Urban as Branch Manager at SW. Shannon will oversee all circulation and former ADS staff assigned to SW. Branch managers will supervise any public service staff assigned to their branches. If you are asked to work at a different branch than normal to help out for a day, your supervisor is the Branch Manager at the location assigned. In other words, wherever you are asked to work, the Branch Manager at that location is your direct supervisor for the day.
I know it always feels like something is changing, and I know that can be uncomfortable for some of our staff. There's nothing to fear. I have watched all of you provide exceptional service whatever your title or location or reporting structure, and I'm so, so proud of what you do. Many of the changes listed here are already tried and in place at 3 of our 4 locations and have worked really well. This change in a reporting structure won't change who you are or your dedication to your community. You'll be great!
There are a few more job descriptions changing in other departments, as well. Our Digital Media Specialist resigned a few months back, and Brandi has elected to pursue a Content Creator position instead who will do lots of writing for our online and print publications. I'm changing the duties of the Administrative Assistant to support both the Director and the Head of Administration and isolating the finance and payroll piece into a new PT position. So look for those opportunities coming soon.
Barb
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